The mobile cart, which is already being used by Greymouth Hospital, operates over wi-fi and combines high-definition video and audio to share real-time images between remote locations.

Managing director Eric Greenop said this allowed medical professionals to provide real-time consultations, education and mentoring, and even broadcast medical procedures regardless of time or distance. Close-up images of a patient’s throat, ears or skin, for example, can be
instantly shared with an offsite professional.

Existing medical and non-medical peripheral devices can also connect to it, enabling the sharing of data and content between professional and patient.

“This device allows an off-site medical practitioner to literally be present in the room for a patient consultation. This means that diagnostic decisions can be made quickly and accurately which, in extreme cases, could mean the difference between life and death for a patient.”

Greenop said the cart had an adjustable frame compact enough to allow it to be transported easily through hospital wards, operating units and other medical facilities.